James’ sentiments were echoed by Salutatorian Gabe Beck who said that if high school is supposed to be the best four years of his life as some have said, “I might as well quit my life if that’s the best it offers.”

Beck quoted Matt Foley, the motivational speakers portrayed by the late comedian Chris Farley, who once proclaimed that most people don’t amount to much in their lives and instead end up “in a van down by the river.”

“My challenge to my fellow students is to prove that 300-pound dead comedian wrong,” he said.